Cpl. Benjamin Marisic, 24, of 713 Savannah Drive was arrested and charged with one open count of murder, according to authorities.

He is an active-duty Marine stationed at Camp Lejeune. Naval Criminal Investigative Service also is investigating the shooting.

Friday, Marisic was held without bond at the Onslow County Jail.

Jacksonville Police responded to reports of a shooting at the address about 3:47 a.m.

A close family member of Smith’s, who did not wish to be identified, said Marisic’s passion was in Christianity and the church.

“He was very involved with church ministries and being in church singing groups all over the country,” said the family member, who was uncertain why Smith was in Jacksonville.

A neighbor in the quiet subdivision said she was up about the time of the shooting.

Kelsey Johnson said she was up at 3 a.m. feeding her child when she heard voices outside.

“I heard talking out there, which I hear quite often because (Marisic) is a younger Marine and has friends over … I didn’t hear any loud commotion or anything,” Johnson said.

Later that morning, she said several police cars arrived.

Johnson said the news is a shock to her, because the neighborhood is so quiet.

“Everybody keeps to themselves,” she said. “We have a few friends and everybody’s so nice.

“It’s scary to think it happened right next door,” she added.

Johnson said Marisic often was out in the garage working on cars and frequently had visitors.

“He was very friendly,” Johnson said, recalling a time when he helped her with moving.

The two-story 1,850 square foot home on Savannah Drive in the Carolina Forest neighborhood, where police say the shooting happened, is owned by Marisic, according to county documents.

Marisic bought the house in February 2012, according to the Onslow County Tax and Register of Deeds documents.

Lt. Ronnie Dorn, supervisor in the Investigative Services Division at JPD, said in a release that the investigation “is ongoing.”

Marisic serves with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment.

He joined the Marine Corps in November 2009; served in Operation Enduring Freedom from February to September 2011; and has eight awards, including the Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal and NATO Medal, among other commendations, according to a release from 2ndMarine Division.

“2ndMarine Division will continue to cooperate with the investigating agencies and local authorities,” according to an email by 1st Lt. Kristen McCarthy, Public Affairs Office of 2nd Marine Division.

Page 2 of 2 - Anyone with information about the shooting may contact Crime Stoppers at 910-938-3273; or the Jacksonville Police Department at 910-455-4000. Callers do not have to reveal their identities.